Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Brian Funk.

Today's guest is Brian Funk, a New York-based musician, producer, and Ableton Certified Trainer. He hosts the Music Production Podcast. Brian teaches music production at Berklee Online. And, he is the author of 5-Minute Music Producer: 365 Music-Making Activities.

Throughout this conversation we discuss:

* The advantages of having a day job.

* Thinking about the opinions of others.

* The distinction between what you can and can’t control.

* How multiple projects can help you avoid burnout.

* Why you should have your own website.

* And, how Brian accidentally wrote a book.

That’s it for Part Two of this two part episode. Subscribe to ProducerHead wherever you are listening so that you don’t miss out on future episodes. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend.

Three Things I Learned From This Conversation:

1. WHEN YOU’RE WORKING, WORK. WHEN YOU’RE RELAXING, RELAX.

It’s OK to take a break and watch Netflix. Don’t ruin an episode of The Bachelor with guilt about how you “should be working right now.” Build relaxation and time away into your working routine to avoid burnout and create space for enjoyment. You and the quality of your work will thank you.

2. MAKING GETTING STARTED EASIER.

Once you are on the path, you will discover what exists on the path. Begin working and you’ll find that you can reshape and edit according to what you experience during the process. Your vision will reveal itself along the way.

I feel this one strongly. Here’s the proof: “Do it on purpose and find out who you are.”

3. HAVING A DAY JOB CAN BE AN ADVANTAGE.

Day jobs are often seen as obstacles to living a creative life. Do not overlook the fact that your day job provides at least two powerful opportunities:

* Constraints on your time: The decision on when to work is made for you. Embrace those windows with intention.

* Creative Freedom: Without relying on the art as your livelihood, you’re able to make what it is you want to make.

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Tap in with toru:

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Tap in with Brian Funk:

Instagram: @brianfunkmusic

Brian’s Website: https://brianfunk.com/

Conversation Timeline:

00:00 Intro

01:19 Burnout And Creating Small Wins

04:06 Make Getting Started Easier

08:45 Brian’s values and approach to entrepreneurship

11:37 How to use your day job to your creative advantage.

13:50 Motivation

15:15 Control

16:27 Embracing Your Perspective and Finding Your Voice

18:30 Video Creation

19:40 The value of variety in projects

22:00 Origin Story of Brian’s book: 5-Minute Music Producer: 365 Music-Making Activities.

25:10 My amazement at Brian’s productivity and creation of his book.

25:45 Evidence of the day job enhancing music projects

27:00 Why you should have your own website

30:45 Brian’s Class on Sampling through Berklee Online

32:03 Quick Hits

42:35 Brian’s Personal Encouragement

43:50 Outro

Referenced:

Rick Beato

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